AUTISM SERVICE DOGS 

through our puppy programme or traditional programme

 
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Lay the foundation for stable, loving relationships of trust and support.

 
 

about our fully trained AUTISM service dogs

Our Autism Service Dogs are fully trained to the highest standard over a 2 year training programme through either our puppy programme or adult service dog programme.

My Canine Companion is accredited by Assistance Dog International (ADI). These are highly trained dogs that have reached the required standard of Assistance Dogs Europe. Their training includes up to 18 months on our Puppy Socialisation Scheme,/puppy programme followed by 4  months intensive training with our Instructors.

These dogs HAVE unlimited access to public places e.g. shops, restaurants, cinema etc.

These dogs can:

  • Increase safety levels and alleviate the bolting behaviours by acting as an anchor when tethered to the child

  • Provide independence as the child doesn’t have to hold the parents hand

  • Provide greater freedom to go out in public due to the calming affects the dog has on the child

  • Help with transitioning which leads to reduced stress levels and a more positive experience for all 

  • Act as a constant companion, offering unconditional love and friendship to an individual who almost always has few friends

  • Improve socialisation skills

  • Can improve quality of life for all the family as the dog requires daily exercise

  • The responsibility of a dog can increase the childs confidence and self esteem

  • Act as an ambassador for my canine companion and autism as the dog is a visual cue to members of the public.


There are two main purposes of a My Canine Companion Autism Service Dog:

The first is the safety aspect which is vital both for the child and his/her  family.

The second however; it is the hope that the dog will become a best friend, confidant and playmate for a child who almost always has few friends outside the immediate family circle.

AFTERCARE SERVICE

My Canine Companion provides an extensive and ongoing aftercare service for all our clients and dogs to ensure their success into the future. We also provide a private social media platform which all our clients can access  where they can ask questions about training, share stories and advice  about our dogs and wider issues surrounding autism and disabilities.  

 
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How it works:

  • The dog wears a specially designed jacket with the My Canine Companion logo on it.

  • The child is attached to the dog by a tether that runs from the dog’s jacket to the child’s belt.

  • The parent has a lead that is attached to the dog.

  • The child holds a handle that is on the dog’s jacket.

  • The dog is trained to walk ahead with the child yet respond to verbal commands given by the parent e.g. the dog will stop at any obstacle in its path including curbs.

  • How the dogs help: The dogs help increase safety levels and alleviate bolting behaviours by acting as an anchor when tethered to the child.

  • Provides independence as the child doesn’t have to hold the parents hand.

  • Provides greater freedom to go out in public thanks to the calming effects the dog has on the child.

  • Helps with transitioning which leads to reduced stress levels and a more positive experience for all.

  • Acts as a constant companion, offering unconditional love and friendship to the child.

  • Improves socialization skills.